Cyclophosphamide-resistant Yoshida ascites tumor cells and their cross resistance to some alkylating agents.

A cyclophosphamide-resistant subline of a Yoshida ascites tumor was developed by giving increasing doses of the drug after transplantation. The effect of several alkylating agents on the cell proliferation of both the sensitive and resistance cell line was compared establishind dose response curves and D50 values. The developed subline revealed a 260 fold resistance to cyclophosphamide. It was completely cross-resistant to hydroperoxycyclophosphamide, whereas for triaziquone, N-oxide-mustard, and N-methyl-mustard only a partial cross resistance existed. These results give further evidence that cyclophosphamide and hydropeoxycyclophosphamide have the same mechanism of action. Regarding the other alkylating agents the results demonstrate differences concerning either the molecular mode of action or protecting effects. A decreased activation or uptake of substance is probably not the base for resistance.